Ravined: meaning, definitions and examples
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ravined
[ rəˈvɪnd ]
descriptive, literary
Ravined refers to a landscape or area that is characterized by deep cuts or ravines. It is often used to describe terrain that has been eroded or worn away, forming steep-sided valleys. This term evokes imagery of ruggedness and wilderness.
Synonyms
canyoned, deep-cut, gorge-like, striped.
Examples of usage
- The ravined region was difficult to navigate.
- They hiked through the ravined landscape.
- The artist painted a scene of a ravined canyon.
- The ravined hills were a sight to behold.
Etymology
The word 'ravined' derives from the noun 'ravine,' which comes from the Old French word 'ravine,' meaning 'to tear away' or 'to ravage.' This, in turn, is rooted in the Latin word 'rapina,' referring to the act of seizure or plundering. The evolution of the term reflects a transformation from a more general sense of 'tearing or cutting away' to a specific geographic feature characterized by erosive landscapes. 'Ravined' is formed by adding the suffix '-ed' to 'ravine,' indicating something that possesses the quality of being ravine-like. As language evolved, these terms began to describe the natural phenomena observed in various terrains, serving to highlight the dramatic and rugged qualities of such areas.